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Naturopathic Doctors Ontario
ADHD
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ADHD
Attention
Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder
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History
History
• 1970's - Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• 1980's - Attention deficit disorder with or
without hyperactivity (ADD / ADHD)
• 1990's - Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) further defined
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Symptoms
Symptoms
3 symptom categories:
• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Otherwise Normal Behaviour except
frequency and severity of symptoms
increases to the point that:
• It occurs in most situations
• Has a negative impact on the child’s life
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Inattention
Inattention
• Inattention to details
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty organizing tasks and
activities
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Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity
• Cannot sit still
• Difficulty playing quietly
• Excessive talking
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Impulsivity
Impulsivity
• Blurts out answers before question
• Difficulty waiting till turn
• Interrupts
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Incidence:
Incidence: Children
Children
• ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed
behavioral disorder of childhood.
• It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged
children.
• ADHD is diagnosed much more often in
boys than in girls.
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Incidence:
Incidence: Adults
Adults
• It is now known that ADHD symptoms
continue into adulthood for about 60% of
children with ADHD.
• That translates into 4% of the US adult
population, or 8 million adults.
• Few adult cases are identified or treated
leads to complications
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Long Term
Complications
term complications
•
•
•
•
•
Addiction: Drug and alcohol abuse
Failure in school: Underachievement
Problems maintaining a job
Trouble with the law
Rejection from peers: rejection, low selfesteem, anxiety, depression
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Possible
Possible Causes:
causes:
• Inherited?
• Genetics?
• Stressful early childhood experience
• Trauma /PTSD
Currently accepted mechanism: Lowered
Dopamine levels, under-stimulation of
reward center of the brain
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Current
Current Medical
Medical Treatment
Treatment
Stimulant drugs to increase dopamine in the
brain:
• Methylphenidate ( Ritalin, Concerta)
• Amphetamines ( Dexedrine, Adderall)
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Outcomes
Outcomes
As long as treatment is on-going and
consistent, it:
• Is effective - Reduces and controls
symptoms
• Lessens likelihood of complications
However, it is not a cure for ADHD and
side effects are many
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Side
Side Effects
Effects
• Cardiovascular: rapid heart beat, palpitation, stroke,
hypertension
• Nervous system: depression, seizures, insomnia,
headache, Tourette’s syndrome, psychotic episodes
• Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation,
anorexia
• Skin: hives, rash
• Endocrine: impotence, decreased libido
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Nutritional
Nutritional Support
Support
Boost Dopamine levels with nutrition
Increase intake of dopamine building blocks:
• l-phenylalanine (essential amino acid)
• Wheat germ
• Eggs, Soy, Cheese, Dairy, Meat
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Specific
Nutrients
Specific Nutrients
•
•
•
•
EFA’s
Magnesium
B Vitamins: Anxiety, Depression, Mood
B6
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Antioxidants
Antioxidants
• Antioxidants (beets, celery, carrots, blueberries, greens) to protect oxidation of
dopamine
• Apples contain quercetin: protect
dopamine breakdown/oxidation
• Bananas contain building blocks for
dopamine
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Botanical
Medicine
Botanical Medicine
Nerve Tonics:
•Chamomile
• Avena
• Hops
• Melissa
Are gentle and safe for children and
calm hyperactivity by acting on the
nervous system
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Lifestyle
Lifestyle
• Prenatal and postnatal care
• Stress reducing treatments to mother
and child which are safe
• Underlying food intolerances/ allergies
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Other
Other Treatments
Treatments
•
•
•
•
•
Elimination Diet
Feingold Diet
Homeopathy
Counseling
Stress reduction
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Maintenance
Maintenance
• Strategies: daily, weekly, monthly and
annual to remain healthy
• How to listen to your symptoms
• How to take care of your health
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References
References
• Pub Med Online:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518
/
• National Institute for Mental Health:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attentiondeficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml
• ADHD Canada: www.adhdcanada.com/
• Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance:
http://www.caddra.ca
• Ritalin-free Kids: Robert Ullman N.D. and Judyth
Reichenberg-Ullman N.D. http://www.ritalinfreekids.com/
For more information call 416-233-2001 or
[email protected]
To find out more about naturopathic medicine visit:
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